The Great Maiden's Blush

          "What you're looking for every day is one little surprise.
            It's like seeding a cloud and hoping for rain." 
                                                 
                                               - Mike Nichols (The Graduate, Silkwood) 

THE LATEST FEATURE from the makers of critically acclaimed TAKING THE WAEWAE EXPRESS and HOOK, LINE & SINKER starts shooting in September. With Alun Bollinger and Mark Lapwood on camera, Annie Collins editing, music by Plan 9 and a cast lead by Renee Lyons and Miriama McDowell, the film will be completed by April 2015. 

THE GREAT MAIDEN'S BLUSH is a story of forgiveness and the redemptive power of truth. It follows the growing friendship between two first-time single mothers after the birth of their babies. As they face the challenges of new motherhood, they must also face the secrets around the paternity of their infants. Babies and absent fathers, opera and drag-racing, gardening and Schubert are all swept into the drama as the two women encourage and provoke each other to find the courage to overcome their situations.

BUT FIRST WE NEED YOUR HELP WITH OUR CRUCIAL REHEARSAL PROCESS

Our films are known for great performances and believable, complex characters. To achieve this, we use improvisation to explore who and what has shaped our characters' lives. We are bringing over Australia-based film director and expert in character-based improvisation Robert Marchand to work with us and our core cast during our three week rehearsal starting in late August. Rob first introduced us to British director Mike Leigh's improvisation processes which became the catalyst for our previous features. While our new film has a completed script, it is this invaluable improvisation process that brings our characters to life.

          "All the real work is done in the rehearsal period" - Donald Pleasance        

We have raised enough money (over $100,000 and counting) so we can shoot the film. Please help us raise another $7,500 towards airfares, rehearsal space and a token wage for our cast during our three week workshop and rehearsal with Robert Marchand.

VIEW OUR TEASER AT: www.torchlightfilms.co.nz

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on HOOK, LINE & SINKER

"Funny, believable & down-to-earth - HOOK, LINE & SINKER is a gem."
(Jenny Pattrick, author, The Denniston Rose)

"Laughter, tears, and a celebration of life, family, community, yes, and old songs well sung. Bravo!"
(Andrew Horton, screenwriter & author, Writing the Character Centered Screenplay)

"It's the kind of filmmaking we could with much more of."
(Peter Calder, Weekend Herald)

"A beautifully pitched script... this is a likeable, admirable and hugely enjoyable film."
(Graeme Tuckett, Dominion Post)

"Well acted, economically written and smartly produced - well worth seeing."
(Simon Morris, At the Movies, Radio NZ)

"The themes are universal yet played out on a scale and in settings ordinary folk can relate to... highly engaging performances... exudes a generous and very real warmth."
(Helene Wong, NZ Listener)

on TAKING THE WAEWAE EXPRESS

"A smart script which eschews both cheap dramatics and easy payoffs... packs an authentic emotional punch."
(Peter Calder, Weekend Herald)

"Brave, funny, terrifically honest and unaffected, big-hearted and smart enough to transcend its non-existent budget."
(Graeme Tuckett, The Dominion Post)

"Proof of the often-voiced hope that technology will wrest filmmaking from the Hollywood formula mills and put the art back into the hands of inspired, independent filmmakers."
(Mervyn Dykes, Manawatu Standard )

"That rare independent film blending tears and laughter, the young and the aging, and crossing cultural boundaries joyfully."
(Andrew Horton, screenwriter & author, Writing the Character Centered Screenplay)

"A small digital gem that sparkles with big emotional impact."
(Helene Wong, NZ Listener)